On October 7, 2021, we hosted a virtual leadership alumni event: “Philosophy In Crisis? The Role and Responsibility of Philosophers in Times of Crisis” with Dr. Nikil Mukerji, Philosopher, Author and Managing Director of the Philosophy Politics Economy (PPE) Degree Program at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments and society to balance individual freedoms against general health protection. Weaknesses of Western democracies became apparent and societal foundations were called into question. Together with our leadership alumni we discussed how philosophy can stimulate a critical reflection on problems in times of crisis and what lessons we should learn from the ongoing pandemic.

On March 11, we welcomed Dr. Friedrich Kuhn (Partner, Egon Zehnder International GmbH), Margit Lehwalder (Managing Director HR, Deutsche Bank AG) and Britta Weber (Managing Director Switzerland and Austria, United Parcel Service) for an exclusive discussion on Leadership in Times of Crisis with Aspen Germany’s members and leadership alumni.

We engaged in a virtual discussion on how COVID-19 changed the German and international corporate world. Effective leadership plays a crucial role in overcoming the crisis and provides opportunities for the future. What lessons can be learned from the developments of the past few months and how can leaders and managers set the course for a sustainable corporate culture? And which leadership trends will change and shape the business world in 2021?